About SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND
Overview The Shenango Recreation Area is situated within the broad, flat, meandering valleys of the Shenango River and Pymatuning Creek. Sharon, Pennsylvania is approximately 7 miles southwest and Youngstown, Ohio is about 21 miles west. Visitors to the area enjoy camping, boating and fishing.Recreation The lake provides an attractive setting for picnicking, camping, boating or simply enjoying nature's beauty. Anglers fish for bass, walleye, muskellunge and a variety of panfish. The lake is shallow and water levels generally drop throughout the summer, especially after the Fourth of July, depending upon rainfall. The Coonie Trail is one-half mile in length. This self-guided interpretive nature trail invites visitors not only to experience the beauty of Shenango River Lake but also to learn about its varied habitats and relationships between plants, animals and humans. Shenango Lake is an unlimited horsepower lake and has six free boat launches for access. The Lakeside Picnic Shelter is located on site and can be reserved for reunions or other large gatherings.Facilities This large campground contains over 300 campsites, many of which have electric hookups. Flush toilets, drinking water, showers and a dump station are provided. Playgrounds, a horseshoe pit and boat ramp are on-site.The campground is reservation only. Reservations can be be made on the day of arrival. Natural Features Shenango River Lake stretches 11 miles up its namesake river, covering over 11,000 acres. The shore is lined with a northern hardwood forest of shady and colorful trees such as Black Cherry, Beech, Maple and Hemlock. Deer, turkey and other small game animals are plentiful, with excellent opportunities to observe osprey and eagles in the area. Nearby Attractions The Shenango Water Trail provides 7.5 miles of scenic river corridor for paddlers, with three access points between Kidds Mill Park and Big Bend. Personal Floatation Devices must be worn on all canoes and kayaks. The historic Kidd
How to Get There
Take Exit 4B (formerly Exit 1) off I-80 and follow Route 18 north about 6 miles until you cross the lake's causeway. The park is on the left, but this is a divided highway. Continue north about 1/4 mile, take the Birchwood Drive exit, make the turn-around and go south on Route 18. Before you cross the causeway again, make a right onto West Lake Road and travel approximately 1/4 mile to the park entrance on the left. Shenango Recreation Area address: 492 West Lake Road, Transfer, Pa. 16154
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND
Heading to SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233627) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND?
Take Exit 4B (formerly Exit 1) off I-80 and follow Route 18 north about 6 miles until you cross the lake's causeway. The park is on the left, but this is a divided highway. Continue north about 1/4 mile, take the Birchwood Drive exit, make the turn-around and go south on Route 18. Before you cross the causeway again, make a right onto West Lake Road and travel approximately 1/4 mile to the park en…
How do I contact SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 724-646-1124.
References & Official Resources
